EVENT REVIEWS – Sedgebrook Hall
Some Reflections on a YHET Retreat
I have been looking forward to this retreat since walking out of the door from the last one. YHET is so supportive and inclusive. There is no hidden agenda, or any pressure sell. There is no competition here, neither collectively or individually, everyone, regardless of where they are in their physical, emotional, and spiritual journeys is considered to be an equal and made welcome here. I love all those here and the welcoming, relaxing, space they generate. A space where you can explore, within your abilities, with help and encouragement when asked for and without criticism, the many facets, and experiences of yoga.
Friday end of day:
Well, I got here, eventually, for some reason the universe conspired to make me very late. Result I arrived breathless, embarrassed, and very stressed. All that changed immediately on entering the retreat space. It says an awful lot about the organisers, no excuses needed, instantly put at ease by caring and compassionate words and deeds. Everyone’s actions geared to making my late arrival of no consequence and getting me a meal and a comfortable room and helping me relax their highest priority. So, I missed most of the AGM, but was kindly brought up to speed later on what was said and done, so no matter.
Sunday end of retreat:
How did it go? One word “awesome”. How has it made me feel? Physically: I’m unwound, relaxed and relieved of the inner tiredness of underworked muscles. Spiritually: my experience has grown, in part by structured sessions, but most importantly by interaction with all those here. Emotionally: I am at ease, I’m a little sad at this event ending but once again eager to build on all I have learnt. As always leaving these events I have learned that I am capable of more than my mind told me I was. I have learnt this, gently, in a truly supportive and caring environment, free of criticism or competition.
The programme was multi-threaded, lots of options, with no compulsion on attending any or all. I believe that there was “something for everyone to enjoy”. That is, after all, why we were there.
The venue was excellent, comfortable, the staff helpful and good at what they do. The food was, excellent, many of us have dietary needs, which were all catered for. The grounds are beautiful too, full of things to discover and enjoy.
Most importantly, to use two old fashioned phrases the whole thing has been “TERRIFIC FUN – AND AN ABSOLUTE BLAST!!
What am I taking away from this retreat?
A lot of great memories:
The personal challenge of posing for outdoor group photographs while inwardly laughing at my own clumsiness or indeed laughing out loud while trying to do “a tree” with bare feet, on a ground covered with beech nuts!
My most powerful experience, the moment when, in a group session, we all made a circle of trees. What’s so great about that? In this group was an individual with very limited mobility, normally at other events, run by other organisations, she would have been excluded, maybe doing a floor posture while everyone else did the standing circle. That is not the YHET way of doing things. Here, she was, at her request, helped and supported to be one with us all, to be a standing tree. Now that is genuinely being inclusive. That natural action, without premeditation, will stay with me for a long time. That is the kind of experience that can change you and your life, for the better.
I’m taking away, being part of something wonderful, part of a group of people that through my direct experience, genuinely does good, and if you read the information sheets or website: actually “does exactly what it says on the tin”.
I’m also carrying away some wonderful second-hand yoga books. Useful for filling my time till the next YHET event!
See you soon everyone, and if you are not yet a member and reading this, then, I encourage you – please sign up, and come join us next time?
Friday end of day:
Well, I got here, eventually, for some reason the universe conspired to make me very late. Result I arrived breathless, embarrassed, and very stressed. All that changed immediately on entering the retreat space. It says an awful lot about the organisers, no excuses needed, instantly put at ease by caring and compassionate words and deeds. Everyone’s actions geared to making my late arrival of no consequence and getting me a meal and a comfortable room and helping me relax their highest priority. So, I missed most of the AGM, but was kindly brought up to speed later on what was said and done, so no matter.
Sunday end of retreat:
How did it go? One word “awesome”. How has it made me feel? Physically: I’m unwound, relaxed and relieved of the inner tiredness of underworked muscles. Spiritually: my experience has grown, in part by structured sessions, but most importantly by interaction with all those here. Emotionally: I am at ease, I’m a little sad at this event ending but once again eager to build on all I have learnt. As always leaving these events I have learned that I am capable of more than my mind told me I was. I have learnt this, gently, in a truly supportive and caring environment, free of criticism or competition.
The programme was multi-threaded, lots of options, with no compulsion on attending any or all. I believe that there was “something for everyone to enjoy”. That is, after all, why we were there.
The venue was excellent, comfortable, the staff helpful and good at what they do. The food was, excellent, many of us have dietary needs, which were all catered for. The grounds are beautiful too, full of things to discover and enjoy.
Most importantly, to use two old fashioned phrases the whole thing has been “TERRIFIC FUN – AND AN ABSOLUTE BLAST!!
What am I taking away from this retreat?
A lot of great memories:
The personal challenge of posing for outdoor group photographs while inwardly laughing at my own clumsiness or indeed laughing out loud while trying to do “a tree” with bare feet, on a ground covered with beech nuts!
My most powerful experience, the moment when, in a group session, we all made a circle of trees. What’s so great about that? In this group was an individual with very limited mobility, normally at other events, run by other organisations, she would have been excluded, maybe doing a floor posture while everyone else did the standing circle. That is not the YHET way of doing things. Here, she was, at her request, helped and supported to be one with us all, to be a standing tree. Now that is genuinely being inclusive. That natural action, without premeditation, will stay with me for a long time. That is the kind of experience that can change you and your life, for the better.
I’m taking away, being part of something wonderful, part of a group of people that through my direct experience, genuinely does good, and if you read the information sheets or website: actually “does exactly what it says on the tin”.
I’m also carrying away some wonderful second-hand yoga books. Useful for filling my time till the next YHET event!
See you soon everyone, and if you are not yet a member and reading this, then, I encourage you – please sign up, and come join us next time?
Philip Williams
Gratitude for a Restorative Weekend
The theme of this wonderful restorative and sunny weekend was Gratitude. We were certainly given and shared plenty to help us experience this. For me the main highlights included 5 sessions of excellent yoga which skilfully led me into postures long neglected. It was a real bonus to have all our activities in the Oak Suite so that yoga gear could be left in one place.
The weekend was warm, friendly and relaxed and I appreciated the 2pm earlier start on the Friday, giving time to settle in. My bedroom was very comfortable and spacious with plenty of plugs and a lovely view of trees and fields. The food was plentiful and generally good. Staff were very helpful and effective at sorting out any requests or issues.
Finally there was the opportunity to indulge in the hotel’s spa suite of small pool, jacuzzi and sauna – another treat. So I’m really looking forward to returning to Sedgebrook Hall in the future. Thank you
Ally for organising such a lovely restorative weekend.
The weekend was warm, friendly and relaxed and I appreciated the 2pm earlier start on the Friday, giving time to settle in. My bedroom was very comfortable and spacious with plenty of plugs and a lovely view of trees and fields. The food was plentiful and generally good. Staff were very helpful and effective at sorting out any requests or issues.
Finally there was the opportunity to indulge in the hotel’s spa suite of small pool, jacuzzi and sauna – another treat. So I’m really looking forward to returning to Sedgebrook Hall in the future. Thank you
Ally for organising such a lovely restorative weekend.
Janet Harris
Revisiting “Yoga for All”
I was at Ickiwell Bury as a staff member early 1986. I had a great time and learnt the yoga lark which has helped me keep fit during my working life. At age 59 I completed the Nijmegan Marches in Holland. 40 km marching in a team per day over 4 days with 10kg in a pack. Total 120km. A bit like yomping.
I had a compulsory age 60 retirement age and in retirement have taken to teaching what I learnt at ‘the Bury’. If you’re visiting Nova Scotia, Canada, its 10.00 am Mondays at the East Dover hall – all welcome.
I booked the Sedgbrook weekend to ‘check in’ with ‘the latest’ from this school of yoga. I wanted to make sure what I was teaching was not ‘passe’ and learn some new stuff. I achieved both objectives and met some great yoga people at the same time. For me it was a great success. The format of ‘hard class upstairs’ ‘sandbox class downstairs’ worked well for me and I kept myself in the sandbox class. It was organized like this for wheelchair people.
It was great to ‘revisit’ the ‘yoga for all’ atmosphere that was always there at ‘the Bury’ – and you still keep it going to this day. Everyone supported each other.
There may be some who found Sedgbrook hall ‘not ideal for yoga’ but for me I used to live in Northamptonshire so it was a trip down memory lane for me. The bedroom was great.
If I make it there next year, I’ll ask if I can teach a class during one of the afternoon breaks. I still keep a lot of ‘1986 Ickwell bury stuff’ in my class and would like to be corrected (or praised!). I now incorporate new stuff learnt at the weekend.
Many thanks to all
I had a compulsory age 60 retirement age and in retirement have taken to teaching what I learnt at ‘the Bury’. If you’re visiting Nova Scotia, Canada, its 10.00 am Mondays at the East Dover hall – all welcome.
I booked the Sedgbrook weekend to ‘check in’ with ‘the latest’ from this school of yoga. I wanted to make sure what I was teaching was not ‘passe’ and learn some new stuff. I achieved both objectives and met some great yoga people at the same time. For me it was a great success. The format of ‘hard class upstairs’ ‘sandbox class downstairs’ worked well for me and I kept myself in the sandbox class. It was organized like this for wheelchair people.
It was great to ‘revisit’ the ‘yoga for all’ atmosphere that was always there at ‘the Bury’ – and you still keep it going to this day. Everyone supported each other.
There may be some who found Sedgbrook hall ‘not ideal for yoga’ but for me I used to live in Northamptonshire so it was a trip down memory lane for me. The bedroom was great.
If I make it there next year, I’ll ask if I can teach a class during one of the afternoon breaks. I still keep a lot of ‘1986 Ickwell bury stuff’ in my class and would like to be corrected (or praised!). I now incorporate new stuff learnt at the weekend.
Many thanks to all
Chris Buckley, Nova Scotia, Canada
Congratulations!
Congratulations once again to all the team who managed to find a great venue for our luxury yoga weekends. I’m sure we all appreciate how much work you do and having the AGM during the weekend with excellent attendance helps give everyone insight as to just how much you do.
How we’ve all missed Highgate House but I do think once we all get used to Sedgebrook and the way it works, we’ll be feeling at home there as much as we did in Highgate. The staff were as helpful as they could be, given the circumstances…three weddings (entertainment for us) and staff shortage. Also, they have to get used to us and our funny yogic quirks.
The weekend was a great success, the teaching was the usual high standard and accommodated all of us.
As always it was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new folks.
The only suggestion I would like to make for the future is that we have a little more free time on Saturday evenings, time to socialise and relax.
How we’ve all missed Highgate House but I do think once we all get used to Sedgebrook and the way it works, we’ll be feeling at home there as much as we did in Highgate. The staff were as helpful as they could be, given the circumstances…three weddings (entertainment for us) and staff shortage. Also, they have to get used to us and our funny yogic quirks.
The weekend was a great success, the teaching was the usual high standard and accommodated all of us.
As always it was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new folks.
The only suggestion I would like to make for the future is that we have a little more free time on Saturday evenings, time to socialise and relax.
Christine Stokes